Tiger Mom’s New Contract with Her Adult Daughters Sparks Conversation

self insemination kit

A few years back, the “Tiger Mom” phenomenon captured public attention when a certain mother published a book arguing that strict parenting is the key to raising successful children. Fast forward to today, and Amy Lee, now the mother of two adult daughters, is back in the limelight for requiring them to sign a detailed contract before they can stay in her New York apartment this summer.

In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, Amy explained that her daughters, 23-year-old Mia and 20-year-old Emma, will be working in New York City this summer and plan to stay rent-free at the cozy apartment she and her husband, Tom, have meticulously saved for over two decades. Concerned about her daughters possibly taking her generosity for granted, Amy decided to draft a stringent agreement using her skills as a law professor.

The contract opens with a clear declaration of ownership: “Whereas Amy Lee and Tom are the proprietors of Apartment [XXX] and their children are not.” Following that, it emphasizes that “Children owe their parents everything, even in cultures where there may be mixed feelings about this.” In exchange for their summer stay, Mia and Emma agree to fulfill a list of specific duties.

What Are These Duties?

What are these duties, you might ask? They are indeed quite demanding. For starters, Mia and Emma must share a bedroom and bed, and the contract obligates them to make it every day without squabbling over who does the chores. Additional requirements include:

• Greeting Tom and Amy with spontaneous joy and gratitude whenever they visit.
• Never uttering the phrase, “Chill out, it’s not a big deal.”
• Upon guest arrivals, they must leave their room promptly, greet guests enthusiastically, and engage in conversation for at least 15 minutes.
• Keeping the fridge stocked with fresh orange juice from the local market for Tom on days he is in town.
• Maintaining the living room pillows in perfect condition and cleaning the glass table after use.

Lastly, the contract stipulates that “Mia and Emma acknowledge that these duties are non-negotiable, even in cases of illness, fatigue, or personal crises.” Quite the rigorous arrangement, isn’t it?

The responses to Amy’s contract have been varied, with some praising her for establishing clear expectations for her adult children who are moving back home, while others argue that the terms are overly demanding. One comment from a reader noted, “They are your children; you brought them into this world. It’s your duty to support them throughout their lives.” Despite differing opinions, Amy likely believes she is providing valuable guidance, even if her methods seem more intense than when her daughters were young.

While not every parent would impose such rules, it’s undeniable that setting boundaries for adult children living at home is a reasonable practice. After all, living under someone else’s roof generally means adhering to their guidelines—whether that includes paying rent or helping around the house. Amy’s daughters may not be lounging around in pajamas all day, and perhaps that’s a win in itself!

For more insights into parenting and family dynamics, you can check out this article on terms and conditions from another blog. And if you’re curious about at-home insemination kits, Make a Mom offers a comprehensive guide on that topic. Additionally, for those interested in pregnancy resources, Healthline provides valuable information on IVF and related subjects.

In summary, while Amy’s contract may seem extreme to some, it reflects her dedication to ensuring her daughters remain responsible and engaged during their time at home. Whether viewed as a humorous or serious approach to parenting, it certainly raises important discussions about boundaries and expectations for adult children.